Concentration Key in Razorbacks? Tuesday Evening Workout

BY ANDRES FOCIL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas practiced for almost two hours in full pads on a much cooler Tuesday evening in preparation for the Razorbacks’ Sept. 2 showdown with Southern California.

“It was a very good day,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “I loved our attitude. I think the weather probably had something to do with it. I just love when they come to work, and love when they take coaching.”

Sophomore quarterback Casey Dick went to Little Rock on Tuesday to have his back evaluated by a specialist.

“Casey Dick talked to a doctor that Dean (Webber) and Eric (Linson) hooked him up with in Little Rock, Rob Tillman,” Nutt said. “He (Dick) is down there and probably should be back tomorrow. We are trying to do everything we can to zero in on the problem. We are exploring every avenue possible to get him healthy.”

The Razorbacks secondary also received bad news on Tuesday with the decision for senior defensive back Darius Vinnett to undergo surgery. Vinnett will have surgery on the same tendon in the opposite leg that kept him off the field in 2005. Coaches are hoping to get him back this season as they get deeper into SEC play.

The final scrimmage of the fall is slated for 6 p.m. Saturday and is open to the public. But with the rash of injuries the Razorbacks have suffered through this fall there have been some changes made to the format.

“Our fans have been so good this fall,” Nutt said. “I want Saturday’s scrimmage to be open, but I also want our fans to understand that I can’t take a chance of getting anyone else hurt. We are not going to tackle anyone to the ground that night. We are going to play the game and you are going to see some kicking situations, but you are not going to see tackle football.”

Tuesday was an outstanding day for the Hogs’ offense as things seemed to click for both the quarterbacks and offensive line.

“The offense was very good today,” Nutt said. “I thought we took giant steps and the concentration was so much better. There wasn’t one ball on the ground today, and that is what it is all about. Robert Johnson had a very good day and the offensive line continues to make big strides in knowing who to block.”

Arkansas will conduct two practices on Wednesday as two-a-days wind down. Practices are closed to the public.